Coco Gauff and Serena Williams are gearing up for an exciting week in Germany as both players prepare for the Berlin Tennis Open. While Gauff is placed in singles and doubles draws, Williams has accepted a doubles-only wildcard. The American tennis legend is partnering Czech star Karolína Muchová in the German capital.
Ahead of the campaign, Gauff shared her feelings about the return of Williams, consequently quashing rumors about an alleged partnership snub.
Coco Gauff and Serena Williams Set to Compete in Doubles at the Berlin Tennis Open
Williams sent shockwaves in the tennis world after confirming that she was making a competitive comeback at Queen’s Club. She won her first doubles match with Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko, but their run was short-lived as Mboko withdrew from the tournament after injuring herself during her singles match.
During her Queen’s Club campaign, Williams also accepted a wildcard to compete in Berlin. Speculation was rife about her next partner, with well-known journalist Jon Wertheim reporting that the 44-year-old was hoping to play doubles with Gauff. The rumors were put to rest when Muchová was announced as Williams’ partner. Fans subsequently assumed Gauff rejected Williams’ offer to focus on singles.
The doubles draw announcement, however, raised a few eyebrows when Gauff’s name appeared alongside her former partner, Jessica Pegula. The unexpected move fueled curiosity among fans, who wondered what transpired between Gauff and Williams. Coco Gauff’s recent comments, however, cleared the air.
During her pre-tournament press conference in Berlin, the 22-year-old shared her excitement about her idol’s return. She also expressed her desire to receive an invitation, suggesting that Williams had not previously approached her.
“Ya, it’ll be really cool (to share the court with Williams). I’m hoping that one day she’ll hit up my line to play doubles. That would be really, really cool,” Coco Gauff said.
“And if she were to compete in singles, it would be cool to step on the court with her just because she’s a legend and someone I looked up to. And yeah, I’m very excited to be in the same spaces as her again,” she added.
“I’m hoping that one day she’ll hit up my line to play doubles”
Looking at this pre-Berlin WTA interview, seems like Serena might not have even asked Coco to play doubles in Germany. pic.twitter.com/3cBBa4vvkg
— Christian’s Court (@christianscourt) June 15, 2026
In singles, Gauff, the fifth seed, received a bye in the opening round after fourth seed Amanda Anisimova pulled out of the tournament. She awaits the winner of Suzan Lamens vs. Paula Badosa in the Round of 16. In doubles, meanwhile, she and Pegula begin their campaign against Anastasia Potapova and Diana Shnaider.
Williams and Muchová, on the other hand, have drawn Erin Routliffe and Giuliana Olmos in the opener.
